Predicted West Ham Line-up To Face FC Winterthur
West Ham United have had a busy few weeks after announcing the signings of French defender Issa Diop and Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, as Manuel Pellegrini has started his summer spending.
Ryan Fredericks had arrived on a free transfer before the latest double capture but now, the cheques have been cashed as the 21-year-old Diop has arrived from Toulouse for a club-record fee of £22million. The club also signed Swansea City goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski for a reported fee of around £7million.
The London stadium can expect to see an attractive attacking brand of football next season under the former Manchester City coach. The club will be taking on FC Winterthur in Switzerland for their opening pre-season game. Here’s how the Hammers could take the field against Winterthur.
West Ham United Probable XI
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Formation: 5-3-2
Lukasz Fabianski (GK)
The Polish goalkeeper is one of the top shot-stoppers in the league and had an excellent campaign last time out. He is certain to start against the Swiss side.
Ryan Fredericks (RWB)
The youngster was signed on a free transfer from Fulham after his impressive performances in the Championship. Pellegrini will certainly want to see how the youngster fares and could be given a start.
Declan Rice (RCB)
The 19-year-old played a total of 15 games for the Hammers last season and showed true potential. Pellegrini should give him a regular role in the squad this time out.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB)
The Italian was a commander at the back for the Hammers last season. He will certainly play a huge role for West Ham United under Manuel Pellegrini.
Issa Diop (LCB)
The former Toulouse centre-back enjoyed a splendid campaign in the Ligue 1 last season, scoring 3 goals in the process. The defender is a record signing for West Ham and is expected to slot right into the backline.
Aaron Cresswell (LWB)
The 28-year-old is one of the Hammers’ main attacking threats on the left flank. He scored 1 goal and provided 7 assists last season and should be one of the first names on Pellegrini’s matchday squad.
Mark Noble (RCM)
West Ham United captain and icon Mark Noble is always an able deputy in the middle of the park.
Cheikou Kouyate (CDM)
The Senegalese international was a regular in the middle of the park for the Hammers last season. He was their main man in the middle of the park and should play a similar role under Pellegrini.
Arthur Masuaku (LCM)
The defender played as an orthodox left-back last season and lacked the discipline needed to do so. But he was excellent going forward, with his quick feet and slick moves.
Marko Arnautovic (ST)
Arnautovic was the Hammers’ top scorer and shining light last season as the Austrian often inspired the Hammers to victory. He is a huge favourite at the London stadium and could explode under Manuel Pellegrini.
Read more: Why West Ham could complete the coup of the summer by landing this classy Englishman for nothing
Andy Carroll (ST)
Carroll should get to start this pre-season friendly if Pellegrini decides to hand the experienced Englishman a chance to prove himself.
